Monday Morning Memo: Don't Just Know...DO

I’m going to share with you today a very deep, theological statement:  If I ate every day, the way I know I should eat, I would not struggle with my weight.  OK…maybe this statement wasn’t deep and maybe it wasn’t theological…but it sure is true!

My weight has nothing to do with my knowledge.  In other words, I can’t use the excuse that I don’t know what I should be eating as a reason for my extra pounds, because it wouldn’t be true.  I do know enough about carbs, fats, sodium, sugars and general nutrition to be able to make a healthy meal plan to follow.  So. my current weight is not a result of a lack of specific information, it’s a result of not using what I know to make the right, healthy choices…especially after returning from a vacation last week 

You may be wondering what in the world inspired me to share with you this not-so-flattering tidbit of information about me.  Well, believe it or not, it came from a scripture I read.  It was one of those verses that just jumped off the page at me and hit me between the eyes and trust me, it wasn’t a good feeling.

The verse can be found in Romans 2:15 and I read it in the Living Bible translation.  It said, “After all, salvation is not given to those who know what to do, unless they do it.”  Ouch.  Even though I have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior…this verse was still painful.  Why?  Because it reminded me of the areas of my life where I have the head knowledge that I need to follow Christ, but my actions don’t always show it.  Just like knowing nutritional facts doesn’t make me healthier unless I incorporate them into my lifestyle, knowing Bible facts doesn’t do me any good unless I am living them out every day.  

Reading verse 16 didn’t leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling either.  It said, “The day will surely come when at God’s command Jesus Christ will judge the secret lives of everyone, their inmost thoughts and motives; this is all part of God’s great plan which I proclaim.”  Wow, I knew I should have read in Psalms that day instead.

These verses tell me what I already knew, but sure need to be reminded of often.  Living life today is not for my pleasure.  The decisions I make every day should not be made just to make sure I am comfortable and don’t ever have to suffer.  Christ doesn’t want me to follow Him only when it is convenient for me and doesn’t go against what the world is screaming at me.  Finally, the Bible wasn’t written with just “suggestions” on how I should be living; it is filled with commandments that I need to take seriously and follow day in and day out.

We are living in a time when it isn’t popular to go against what the world says is “normal”. Standing up for God’s Word as it is written, without just picking and choosing verses that make us feel better about our sin, isn’t accepted well either.  But that is what is commanded of us to do if we are going to be true, devoted followers of Christ.  We are called to be His servants, whether it makes us feel comfortable or not, and that is true when we are in public or in the “secret” confines of our home.

This coming weekend I am going to be speaking at a retreat Friday and Saturday and then preaching at the same church Sunday morning.  What Christ has laid on my heart to share may not make people feel good.  I haven’t spent time sugar coating His words so that people will make sure to like me when I’m done.  I take the responsibility of stepping onto that platform very seriously and I don’t think Christ will be glorified if I’m not true to His Word.

I so covet your prayers for me as I do my final preparation for this weekend.  Please pray that I am sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings and that my words will be His words so that those who hear will truly listen and be drawn closer to the One who makes life worth living.  May our time together inspire all of us to make sure that our head knowledge results in everyday choices which brings Him honor and glory and impacts eternity in a powerful way. 

Monday Morning Memo: Do You Feel Like a Dumb Ox?

 

This graphic made me laugh!  Do you ever feel or act like a dumb ox?  Boy, I sure do.   So, when I read certain verses in the Bible, I knew they had probably been written to me 

When I read scripture, I often read it in various versions of the Bible because I have found that sometimes one version will get through my thick skull easier than another.  This was true with Psalm 73:21-28.  While the verses were powerful in the first version, I then read them in The Message and they really came to light.  If you aren’t familiar with this Bible version, it is written in more modern, up-to-date language, which often makes it easier to understand.  In this version, it says:

“When I was beleaguered and bitter,
    totally consumed by envy,
I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
    in your very presence.
I’m still in your presence,
    but you’ve taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me,
    and then you bless me.

You’re all I want in heaven!
    You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
    God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
    Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
But I’m in the very presence of God—
    oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
    God, I’m telling the world what you do!”

Do you know what my first thought was when I read these verses in The Message?  All I could think of was the fact that God loves me…even when I am a dumb ox!  It just blows my mind to think that God sent His Son to die for me even before I asked Him into my heart.  And now, even though I am a Christian, I still have times when I’m sure I look and act like a dumb ox.  There are even times when I can be, just like these verses state, beleaguered and bitter and totally consumed by envy.   But even in those moments, I am still in God’s presence, and He is patiently waiting for me to turn back to Him so He can continue to walk with me every step of the way.  

He is all I need here on earth, and I can’t wait to spend eternity with Him.  It is so amazing to know that God never changes…even when this chaotic world swirls around me, God is my rock and will never leave me.  He never wavers…never loves me any less…or gives up on me.  And just like these verses state, even when my skin sags and my bones get more brittle, He is always faithful and firmly planted by my side.

Are you feeling all alone today?  Are you feeling like a dumb ox?  If you are, I want you to know that I’ve been there too. I’m so thrilled to be able to share with you that God is still right by your side and He loves you right where you are today.   You and I can go to Him, with all our faults and failures, and He can make something so beautiful out of our lives.  No matter what you have done, He doesn’t love you any less and He wants to be the rock that you lean on every day.  Allow yourself to feel His presence in a new and powerful way because He can’t wait to wisely and tenderly lead and bless you!

Monday Morning Memo: Heaven or Hell?

It’s not something you want to see…especially at 9:00 pm.  It isn’t something you want to see at any time of the day…but when it occurs at night when you are really tired…it seems even more of an “inconvenience”.

 

I went down into our basement the other evening and just happened to glance at our upright freezer.  Well, it really wasn’t the freezer that caught my attention…it was the trickle of water coming out of the bottom of it that did.  If you know anything about freezers, you know it isn’t supposed to be leaking, so I immediately knew we had a problem.

 

I first checked to make sure I had shut the door the last time I had been in it, because I just might have neglected to do that one other time, which had caused the same problem.  But this time, the door was firmly shut, so I knew we had a bigger problem than just my negligence.  

 

I then heard the freezer try to cycle on…and then cycle back off.  It was trying its hardest to work for me…but it was evident it wasn’t going to stay on.  So, at 9:00 pm…we got to unload a freezer of partially thawed food items.  Fortunately, since we have a catering service on our property…we had a freezer to move things into…so that was a blessing!

 

Life’s inconveniences.  They never happen at a good time, do they?  I mean, I’ve never heard anyone say, “Oh the other evening my car broke down in the middle of nowhere and I was so happy about it because it was just the most perfect timing!”  Nope, you just don’t hear anything like that very often.  All you need to do is check what the dictionary says about the word “inconvenient” to know it isn’t a good thing.  It says it means: “Something inconvenient; trouble.”

 

Ahhhh, trouble.  That’s a great word for most of life’s inconveniences.  Everyone has times in their life when trouble suddenly shows up and many times…it isn’t anything that is earthshattering…but it sure can be an event that “ruffles our feathers” a little bit. As I’m sure you know…we then have a choice.  We can rant and rave and scream and cry and throw things and even blame God…but after we have exhausted our energy doing those things…we still need to deal with the trouble at hand.

 

I wonder sometimes if God watches us during these times and just shakes His head.  I wonder if He is proud of how we react, or if He wishes we would put these inconvenient times in perspective and realize that most of the irritants that come our way have no eternal value.  I wonder if it saddens Him when I get more upset over my freezer going out…than I do over the fact that there are people whom I know who will spend eternity in hell because I didn’t have the time to tell them about my Jesus.  Probably because I was too busy ranting and raving and screaming and crying and yes…even blaming God.

 

I don’t know about you…but I really want to get to the place in my walk, where, when an inconvenience happens, I immediately ask myself, “Is it going to heaven or hell?”  And if I determine it has no eternal value…then I’ll take the “hiccup” in stride and get it taken care of…without any ranting and raving and screaming and crying and yes…even blaming God.

 

We are living in a messed-up world that often seems unhinged, so I think there just might be more important things to dwell on than a broken freezer.   So, when we are tempted to throw a hissy fit this week over something that isn’t going to heaven or hell…let’s practice self-control, smiling, soft words…without blaming God.  I think He will be proud of us if we do 

 

“Take control of what I say, O Lord,
    and guard my lips.”

Psalm 141:3

 

BY THE WAY…have you watched all four lessons in my latest YouTube series entitled, “Fears, Worries & Futures” on my YouTube channel, Image Seeker?  If not, check it out and make sure and subscribe so you won’t miss out on the next series when it becomes available! You can find Image Seeker at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0szlDSgNBtFuzzNLBWzwMA

Monday Morning Memo: Those Who Labor

Well today is Labor Day, which is a sure sign that summer is coming to an end.  UGH.  I have so enjoyed this summer’s warm, sunny days and I’m praying we have many more before the snow flies!

 

Labor Day is a day when we honor the American worker; those people who work hard day in and day out to keep this world of ours moving forward.  Everywhere we look, we see laborers who are faithfully doing their job to the best of their ability.  Yes, I’m not naïve enough to think that everyone is doing their very best and working their hardest…but I don’t want to dwell today on those who choose to do just enough to get by.

 

I want us to turn our thoughts to those with whom we come in contact, who are obviously giving their all to bloom where God has planted them.  It doesn’t matter whether they are a cashier, a salesperson, a teacher, a lawyer, a ditch-digger, a stay-at-home parent or a doctor…they get up each morning determined to follow God’s plan for their day.  Even when they aren’t employed at their dream job…they still do their best…working as if God was their boss.

 

It is so important we recognize and appreciate these dedicated workers today on Labor Day and in the days to come.  Some people give their all in everything they do…but never have anyone notice and I find that sad.  It is easy to become so busy in our day that we overlook those whom God has placed in our path who need an encouraging word.

   

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, as we go throughout each day, we were intentional in praising those we see?  It doesn’t have to take a lot of our time; sometimes just a simple, heartfelt “thank-you” is appropriate.  Maybe it is just asking the cashier how he or she is before they can say anything to us.  Maybe it is writing our child’s teacher a note, thanking him or her for all they do to instruct our loved one.  Maybe it is taking the time to tell our spouse how much we appreciate all they do each day to make our lives easier. 

 

The list of those we can encourage is endless.  The key is that we must be intentional; otherwise, opportunities will be missed.  The amazing thing is that as we lift the spirits of others, we will also be blessed.  The reason is that we can’t out give God…so as we deliberately strive to bless others…we will be blessed in return.

  

So let me begin by thanking all of you, my readers, for the love, support and encouragement you have shown me.  I am so humbled that you take your valuable time to read my ramblings.  Some of you I know quite well and there are others whom I have never met.  Regardless, you have blessed me immeasurably and my prayer is that God will shower you with HIS blessings as you continue your journey with HIM!

 

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”                                       Philippians 1:3-6

 

BY THE WAY…have you watched all four lessons in my latest YouTube series entitled, “Fears, Worries & Futures” on my YouTube channel, Image Seeker?  If not, check it out and make sure and subscribe so you won’t miss out on the next series when it becomes available! You can find Image Seeker at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0szlDSgNBtFuzzNLBWzwMA

Monday Morning Memo: Determining The Value

I love to read and have a hard time understanding people who don’t   There are so many good books…fiction and nonfiction…and it never ceases to amaze me how God can use both types of books to speak to me.

 

I just finished a fiction book which, as I read, felt like it had been written just for me.  One of the characters had lived a life that so resembled mine that it was almost eerie.  As I read how this individual sought God through the good times and the bad…it challenged me to keep seeking…keep following whatever God has for me…even if it requires great sacrifice.

 

I then picked up the next book in my stack which happens to be a non-fiction one entitled, “Bloodline – Tracing God’s Rescue Plan From Eden To Eternity” by Skip Heitzig.  I am only on page 37, but I am already having nuggets of truth jump off the page at me.  In writing about Christ’s sacrifice for us…some of the powerful truths have been:

 

“You are God’s precious treasure, worth the best gift He had to offer, His Son”.  

 

“God showed your value to Him in what Christ did for you.  After all, the value of something is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it.  Jesus shed all His prerogatives in heaven to come to earth and buy you back from sin.  You matter to Him.”

 

Wow. The value of something is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it.  As I read those words…I was overcome with emotion as I was reminded of the price that has been paid for me…and for you…and all I could think of was “What am I going to do with that truth?”  If I truly believe this, then I need to ask myself, “What am I willing to pay…what am I willing to do with my life…so that others will see Jesus in me?” Do I value those with whom I encounter enough to be willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they know my Jesus?  Christ was willing to sacrifice himself because He values me that much.  Do I value others in the same way?

 

These are such sobering thoughts to me.  Christ gave His life for me…but yet I find myself whining because I think He is asking too much of me.  He valued me enough to give everything He had…but I find myself complaining when I am expected to come under His authority.  

On page 37 then…Heitzig hit me between the eyes with this statement: 

 

“Choosing Jesus as Savior is a one-time event,

but choosing to submit to His lordship 

is a daily decision.”

 

Ouch.  I have been paid for with a price and as a result…I am expected to submit to Him every. single. day.  Not just when it is convenient.  Not just when it’s easy.  Not just when I have nothing else to do and feel I can work it into my schedule. 

 

God is convicting me that how I live my life every day is showing others just how much I value my relationship with my Jesus.  How much am I willing to pay?  My prayer is that today…and every day…His sacrifice will not be in vain and that my life will be a testament to others of what a truly devoted follower of His should look like.  Will you join me?

 

BY THE WAY…have you watched all four lessons in my latest YouTube series entitled, “Fears, Worries & Futures” on my YouTube channel, Image Seeker?  If not, check it out and make sure and subscribe so you won’t miss out on the next series when it becomes available! You can find Image Seeker at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0szlDSgNBtFuzzNLBWzwMA

Monday Morning Memo: WHY? By His Grace...

Last week I shared with you the word “why”, and how it had been used in recent days from various friends.  Why has God allowed Covid to interrupt our lives and cause so much pain, fear and dissension?  Why am I being afflicted with one health problem after another?  Why did my spouse walk away from our marriage?  Why did God take my spouse in the prime of their life?  Why aren’t my children following the Lord like I want them to?  Why are we struggling to make ends meet, when others who aren’t following the Lord seem to prosper?

 

This past week, I watched the news and since then, an entirely new set of “why” questions have been flooding my mind:

 

Why am I fortunate enough to live in the United States…instead of Afghanistan?

 

Why am I blessed to be living in a comfortable home…instead of in Haiti where many buildings and homes are nothing but rubble after the recent earthquake?

 

Why do I have a plethora of food in my cabinets, refrigerator and freezer…and there are others who are standing in food lines for hours because they have nothing to eat?

 

Why did I have the privilege of hugging my grandkids this past week…instead of trying to pass them off to American soldiers…hoping…just hoping…they might be taken from my country to a safe land?

 

Why was I allowed to worship in my church yesterday without the threat of being killed for doing so…when others chose to worship knowing full well, they may be martyred and see Jesus before the service was over?

 

Why are all my children safe here in the United States…when others’ children are serving in the military, putting their lives in grave danger?

 

Why was I born into a Christian family…where I was raised by Christian parents…instead of in a home of drug dealers in a poverty-stricken inner city, where there is little hope of having a prosperous, abundant life?

 

Trust me, I could go on and on.  You see, the word “why” can be used to complain about my current circumstances, OR, it can be used to humble me and open my eyes to realize how blessed I truly am.

 

I don’t know the answers to these questions…but I do know one thing.  I. am. blessed.  I am blessed beyond measure, and I hope that in the days to come, I will remind myself of this over and over again.  When I find myself comparing my circumstances to others…thinking they have it better than me…I hope I will run through the “why’s” I have listed today.  Because there is absolutely no reason I should have it any better than anyone else in this world.  I don’t deserve it.  I’m not loved more. I’m definitely not a better person.   All I can say is, “There but for the grace of God…”.

BY THE WAY…tomorrow morning I will be posting our final look at “Fears, Worries & Futures” on my YouTube channel, Image Seeker.  We will be looking at a man in the Bible who asked God to bless him and what can happen if we do the same!  Make sure and “Subscribe” to my channel today so you won’t miss this study and the studies to come!  You can find Image Seeker at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0szlDSgNBtFuzzNLBWzwMA

Monday Morning Memo: Why?

It seems like I have heard the question “Why?” asked often lately by various friends.  Why has God allowed Covid to interrupt our lives and cause so much pain, fear and dissension?  Why am I being afflicted with one health problem after another?  Why did my spouse walk away from our marriage?  Why did God take my spouse in the prime of their life?  Why aren’t my children following the Lord like I want them to?  Why are we struggling to make ends meet, when others who aren’t following the Lord seem to prosper?

 

Why?  It’s a question many of us ask at some time during our lives, and unfortunately, we often don’t receive an answer.  At least we don’t receive the answer we want to hear.  If you are like me, you want things to be much more black and white…an answer for everything…and you want to be able to plan your future without unexpected “hiccups”.   Unforeseen detours can surely put a wrench in our plans and that often leads us to ask why.

 

The words on this graphic really spoke to me.  I would imagine that being thrown into a fiery furnace was not in Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s plans and could have been classified as a major unexpected “hiccup”.  King Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into the fiery blaze because they refused to bow down to the golden image he had set up for the people to worship.  Even though these three men knew they would suffer severe consequences for disobeying King Nebuchadnezzar, they knew God was able to deliver them.

 

You would think that because Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to give their all for their God…God would just snuff out the flames.  Or maybe He would have the King have second thoughts and at the last minute pull them aside, safe and sound.  No, God allowed the flames to roar as the men were thrown in.  I just love this story.  We read in Daniel 3:19-25, “Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage.  He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual.  Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.  So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes and other garments.  And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in.   So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.

But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisors, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them in the furnace?”  Yes, your majesty, we surely did,” they replied.  

“Look!”  Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed!  And the fourth looks like a god.”

 

If there were ever three people who could have asked “Why?” it was Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but that isn’t what we hear them saying.  They trusted their God to do what was best for them and do what would bring God the most glory.  The result?  The rest of the chapter tells us, “Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!  Come here!’  So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.  Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them.  Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched.  They didn’t even smell of smoke!  Then Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!  He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him.  They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.  Therefore, I make this decree:  If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble.  There is no other god who can rescue like this!’”

 

Wow.  Many lives were changed because these three men trusted their God, even when their circumstances didn’t make sense.  I wonder if I would see more miraculous things happen if I spent less time asking “Why?” and more time just trusting God.  If He could protect them from the raging heat…He can probably take care of me during my unexpected “hiccups”.  I may never have the answer to the “why” questions of my life…but I can rest in the fact that I am not alone because my Jesus walks beside me.  

 

This week, why not join me in asking “Why?” less often and trusting our Jesus to do what is best for us and do what will bring Him the most glory.  We just might see some miracles happen before our eyes too!